CHW 3M1 – Culminating Task: Researching an Ancient Civilization
While historical events are unique, they are often driven by
similar, repeated forces. In telling the history of our world, this
course has paid special attention to several significant and
recurring themes. These themes have been presented to
show that around the world, people are more alike then they
realize. Throughout history, humans have confronted similar
obstacles, have struggled to achieve similar goals, and
continually have strived to better themselves and the world
around them. Your Culminating Task will allow you to examine
in depth another civilization that was not covered in class this
semester and explore its role in the history of our world.
For your project, you will choose one civilization from the
following list of ancient peoples. You will then be responsible
for conducting a paramount of research and presenting it in the form of a
1200-1500 word essay along with several other components. You must
report to your teacher the civilization you have chosen before beginning your
project.
In order to narrow it down you may choose your civilization based on an
area, country, nation or specific time period in order to tailor to you
particular interests. For example:
Area)
State/Nation)
Dynasty/Family
Group
- Africa, Asia, Europe, South America etc.
- Scotland, Japan, Ukraine, Libya etc.
- Ming, Tudors, Mughal, Plantagenets etc.
- Vikings, Persians, Mongols, Celts, Berbers
Aztecs, Goths, Numidians, Incas, etc.
Time will be provided in class, however, it is
your responsibility to conduct your research
and work on your project also on your own time. Your teacher will be meeting
with you on several occasions for one-on-one conferences to monitor your
progress and to assist you throughout your project. Several deadlines will be
posted to help you stay on task.
PART I – The Essay (50 Marks) App, K&U, T&I, Com RUBRIC
In 1200-1500 words (minimum 5 – maximum 7 pages) you will present a
properly researched and documented essay which argues the enduring legacies of
the civilization you have chosen – why is it important? What
affect has it had on modern society? What long term affects
may they have had on the world and future generations?
Civilizations should possess some of the following
characteristics:
a) Centralized Government
b) Agricultural Intensification
c) Specialization in Occupations
d) Class Structure
e) Merchants and Trade
f) Development of Science and Writing
g) State Religion
Using your notes from Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece as your
model, construct a well researched essay that clearly proves that the people you
have chosen developed into a sophisticated and advanced civilization whose
citizens were talented and skilled. Choose several characteristics to prove your
point and be sure to use proper essay format (i.e. Introduction, body, conclusion).
PART II – Supporting Materials–Additional category mark/not
mandatory thus no mark for those who don’t complete them.
a)
The Time Travel Brochure
Each students will research, design and create a travel brochure for the ancient
area they have chosen for their culminating activity as if it were a destination for
modern travelers. All of the information contained must be accurate and well
researched. Consider things that would be of interest to the modern day traveler.
Your Brochure should contain
1. a cover title with a creative company name
2. a map & geographic description of the area
3. class and gender differences to consider
4. tips for travelers
5. where to go, what to see
6. foods to sample
7. history of the area
8. pictures
9. a possible itinerary
10. “a day in the life” of a real native to the area
b) The Time Line (10 Marks) Application
While history is the story of people, it is also the examination of when events
occurred. Keeping track of the order of the 20 most important historical events will
help you to better retain and understand material. You will be responsible for
producing a graphic time line charting the development of the civilization
you have chosen. Your time line should include significant events, discoveries,
occurrences, etc. that happened during the history of your chosen peoples. Feel
free to use graphics such as pictures or images to assist in the aesthetics of your
time line. Take careful note to ensure that dates are accurate and presented
chronologically.
c) The Term List (10 Marks) Knowledge and Understanding
You will be responsible for
providing a TERM LIST made up
of a minimum of 10 KEY TERMS
and their definitions that are
pertinent to the study of your
civilization. The TERMS should be
important and relevant to your
research and should help to outline
key ideas and concepts. TERMS
should be referred to in your report
at least once in your essay. TERMS
can include key events (wars,
battles, etc), scientific/cultural
developments, specific items, etc.
d) Important People/Mini-Bio’s (10 Marks) Thinking and Inquiry
You must also include a miniature biography of key
figures from your chosen civilization (MINIMUM = 5
INDIVIDUALS). Biographical information should include
that individual’s significance and importance to the
development of your civilization. Important people can
include political leaders, warriors, gods, scientists,
artists, religious figures, inventors, etc. If possible,
provide pictures along with each biography (which can
go towards your photo album). Each biography should
be at least half a page in length (typed, single-space)
and can include items such as contributions, legacy,
things they are most noted for.
e) The Photo Album (15 Marks) Communication
Each report must include a photo album made up of photos/pictures/images
that are pertinent and significant to your civilization. You must have a
minimum of at least 10 images/pictures that can be downloaded off
clipart or the internet or photocopied out of printed resources. Each
picture must have a brief written explanation describing what the
image/picture is of and its significance to the study of your civilization. One
of your images/pictures MUST be a map outlining the geography and
location of your chosen civilization in relation to the world or the continent it
is found on. Be creative with this section and feel free to include anything of
relevance that may enhance your overall presentation.
SPECS – Helpful Hints

Report must be typed, using either size 12-14 font, and only TIMES NEW ROMAN,
ARIAL, or COURIER style font.
 Report must be submitted in a duotang/report cover.
 Include a table of contents and a cover page for each Section with the title clearly
displayed to signify the section that is directly following it.
 Your title page must include the following information:
o Title of Civilization
o Your Name
o Date Submitted
o Course Code – CHW 3M1
o Name of teacher project is submitted to
* Due to the timing of Final Exams and time required to mark projects, LATE
ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES AND STUDENTS
NOT HANDING IN PROJECTS WILL RECEIVE A MARK OF ZERO.
OVERALL DUE DATE:
CULMINATING TASK – ANCIENT CIVILIZATION EVALUATION
Name: _________________________________________________
Civilization Chosen: _______________________________________
PART I – The Essay (50 Marks) App, K&U, T&I, Com RUBRIC
CRITERIA
LEVEL 0
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4
TOTAL
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Using
historically
accurate
information
Use of historical
information not
passable.
Limited use of
accurate
information.
Accurate for the
most part’ some
important
information is
not accurate.
All information
historically
accurate’ most
is relevant to
the topic.
All information
is historically
accurate and
relevant.
MARKS
0
5
6
7
8
2
4
5.5
6.5
7.5
9
10
/10
THINKING AND INQUIRY
-Historical
Analysis
-Evidence to
support thesis
statement or
argument
being made
Demonstrated
analysis skill not
passable;
Support
demonstrated is
not passable.
Little evidence
used to support
thesis;
Little evidence
used to support
thesis
Adequate
recognition of
historical
significance;
Some evidence
to support
thesis.
Very good
recognition of
historical
significance;
solid evidence
to support
thesis.
Thorough and
perceptive
recognition,
significance;
Excellent
support of
thesis.
MARKS
0
5
6
7
8
2
4
5.5
6.5
7.5
9
10
/10
COMMUNICATION
Introduction
contains clear
thesis
statement and
conclusion
summarizes
research
findings.
No thesis
statement in
introduction and
conclusion not
present/consiste
nt with facts
presented
Thesis
statement of
limited clarity
and conclusion
has limited
connection to
facts presented.
Thesis
statement
mostly clear
and adequate
conclusion;
consistent with
some key facts
Introduction
establishes
thesis clearly
and good
conclusion;
consistent with
most key facts.
Introduction
clearly states a
strong thesis
and sound
conclusion; fully
supportable.
MARKS
0
5
6
7
8
Body of essay
used to
present
research
findings;
Effective use
of language.
Evidence of
research not
passable; use of
language not
passable
Quality and
quantity of
evidence
limited;
sequence is
weak; limited
use of proper
spelling
grammar and
sentence
structure
Good quantity;
quality and
sequence of
evidence is
adequate;
adequate use of
spelling,
grammar and
sentence
structure weak
at times
Good quantity
and quality of
evidence used;
sequence
mostly logical;
spelling and
grammar used
well; sentence
structure
awkward at
times
Quality and
quantity are
sound;
sequence
logical; spelling
grammar and
sentence
structure all
used effectively.
MARKS
0
5
6
7
8
2
2
4
4
5.5
5.5
6.5
6.5
7.5
7.5
9
9
10
10
/10
/10
APPLICATION
Persuasivenes
s and interest;
use of
footnotes and
bibliography
to credit
sources
Not interesting
or convincing;
Sources not
evident or
properly
credited
Limited interest
and
persuasiveness;
Limited use of
footnotes and
bibliography to
credit sources.
Persuasiveness
and interesting
in some key
parts; Footnotes
and
bibliography
used; sources
adequate.
Persuasive and
interesting in all
key parts;
Adequate
sources used;
all sources well
credited.
Totally
interesting and
persuasive;
Excellent
sources used;
all sources well
credited.
MARKS
0
5
6
7
8
2
4
5.5
6.5
7.5
9
10
/10
TIME TRAVEL BROCHURE RUBRIC
Date:
Name:
Categories/
Criteria
Expectations
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Knowledge/
Understanding
-information is limited in
terms of clarity, conciseness
and accuracy
-information is somewhat
clear, concise and accurate
-information is clear,
concise and accurate
-information reflects a high
degree of clarity, conciseness
and accuracy
-some facts missing
-few facts are missing
-identifies relationships
between concepts
-demonstrates
understanding of
relationships between
concepts eg. between
economic and social forces
-demonstrates some ability
to make appropriate
selections based on:
Relevance to topic;
reliability; variety of
perspectives; degree of bias
-makes appropriate
selections based on:
Relevance to topic;
reliability; variety of
perspectives; degree of bias
-many facts missing
-has difficulty
identifying relationships
between concepts
Thinking/
Inquiry
-has difficulty making
appropriate selections based
on: Relevance to topic;
reliability; variety of
perspectives; degree of bias
-creative thinking skills have
been utilized with limited
effectiveness
Communication
Application
-not missing any facts
-creative thinking skills
have been utilized with
moderate effectiveness
-creative thinking skills
have been utilized with
considerable effectiveness
-use of language conventions
is limited ie. errors in spelling
and/or grammar interfere with
communication
-use of language
conventions is inconsistent
ie. errors in spelling and/or
grammar may detract
-use of language
conventions is accurate and
effective; ie. few errors in
spelling and/or grammar
-demonstrates limited
awareness of purpose for
which, and audience to
whom, research results will
be communicated
-demonstrates some
awareness of purpose for
which, and audience to
whom, research results will
be communicated
-demonstrates awareness of
purpose for which, and
audience to whom, research
results will be
communicated
-layout/organization of
brochure is ineffective
-layout/organization of
brochure is somewhat
effective
-layout/organization of
brochure is considerably
effective
-visual material depicts the
theme
with some accuracy
-visual material depicts the
theme with considerable
accuracy
-transfers concepts to new
contexts to some degree
-transfers concepts to new
contexts effectively
-visual material does not
accurately depict the theme
-has difficulty transferring
concepts to new contexts
-demonstrates insightful
understanding of relationships
between concepts
-makes the most appropriate
selections based on: Relevance
to topic; reliability; variety of
perspectives; degree of bias
-creative thinking skills have
been utilized with a high degree
of effectiveness
-use of language conventions is
accurate, effective, and
virtually error-free
-demonstrates a sophisticated
awareness of purpose for
which, and audience to whom,
research results will be
communicated
-layout/organization of
brochure is extremely effective
-visual material depicts the
theme in a thoroughly accurate
manner
-transfers concepts to new
contexts insightfully
SECTION – Criteria Description
The Time Line (10 Marks)
Application
- dates are accurate, events presented in
chronological order, graphics used to assist in
aesthetics, evidence of research, proper
format used, sufficient number of
events/occurrences listed,
relevance/significance of events shown.
The Term List (10 Marks) Knowledge
and Understanding
- minimum of 30 terms presented, evidence
of research, relevance/significance of terms
listed, definitions accurate, proper spelling
used, knowledge of topic evident,
understanding of terms usage in relation to
civilization is clear.
Mark
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10
Important People/Mini-Bio’s (10
Marks) Thinking and Inquiry
- minimum of 5 biographies completed,
picture of individual provided, evidence of
research, relevance/significance of individual
chosen evident, biographical information
listed, importance of individual to
development of civilization is clear, half page
minimum each met.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10
The Photo Album (10 Marks)
Communication
- minimum of 20 pictures/images included,
MAP included as one of the images,
descriptions/explanations beside each
picture/image included, pictures/images
convey message/information and enhance
overall presentation, relevance/significance of
each picture/image evident, authenticity and
accuracy of picture/image, pictures/images
neatly secured to page, aesthetics, quality of
pictures/images chosen.
Comments:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10